This new effort is being supported by the Phinney Neighborhood Association, Sustainable Ballard, Sustainable Greenwood-Phinney, Phinney Ridge Community Council, and other like-minded organizations. We’re seeking more neighborhood groups to join, and individuals to help spread the word.

Our group is building a grassroots effort to win the bid when the next “Call for Partners” goes out from Northwest SEED, a local nonprofit that is sponsoring community-based solar projects. Through their Solarize Seattle program, they’ve helped put solar on the roofs of about 30 homes in Queen Anne and another 30 in Magnolia over the past couple of years. Now they’re working in Northeast Seattle, where they hope to power 100 homes.

Now is a great time to consider solar for your home. Federal tax credits, state “production credits” on the energy generated on your roof, and low-interest alternative energy loans make it more affordable. The Solarize program makes it less complicated, with solid technology and sustainability education, a contractor selection process and expert facilitation.

The Solarize Northwest Seattle meeting will be in Room 3 in the Phinney Neighborhood Association’s blue building, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., at 7 p.m. on April 25. For more information, visit the group’s web page or Facebook page.